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The new year requires
thoughtful reflection. Most of the time, we do not give ourselves enough time or space to reflect. But this year, I’m taking the time. What did I experience last year that was life giving? What made me laugh? What made me cry? What inspired me? What mistakes did I make? One central word continued to emerge in my thinking—friendship. New and old friends. Forgotten friends and laugh until you cry friends. Since taking this role as Alumni Director, I have met many new friends. These friends and alumni have inspired me with their words, their encouragement, and their commitment to Christian education, especially Phoenix Christian. So many things have changed over the generations at PC, the buildings, the ages, the color of skin but many things remain unchanged. The unwavering belief that Christian education is vital. My parents moved from Iowa to Phoenix, just so we could grow up in a Christian school. One alumnus from the early 60s shared that she worked after school and on the weekends to pay for the $500 tuition. Another alumnus from the 50s talked about walking four miles to and from school, determined
Lisa Blake ’94 and one of her new friends, Paul Van Liew ’56
to attend “Christian High.” An alum from the early 2000s who moved to Phoenix from Boston shared that Phoenix Christian was his only hope for a better future. And today, students travel around the world to attend Phoenix Christian. I lean into 2022 with a renewed passion for Christian education and for Christ, thanks to so many friends. Dr. Phil Eaton ’61 recently posted an inspiring blog about the new year entitled, “Leaning Forward.” Let’s lean forward together in great expectation, anticipating all that the Lord has planned. Happy New Year! peatonblog.com/blog/leaning-forward - Lisa Blake ’94 Director of Alumni Relations
Volume 17 • Winter 2022
COUGARNOW ONLINE
SUPERINTENDENT
Jeff Blake
Read this and other issues of CougarNow at phoenixchristian.org.
EDITOR
Lisa Blake
DESIGN
Brian Cole of Revolution Graphics
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dorian Studios, Sandra Tenuto Photography
We’d like to hear from you. Send your emails to cougarnow@phoenixchristian.org. To support this online and print publication, please visit phoenixchristian. org/support.
CONTRIBUTORS
Hallie House, Steve Woods, Barb Tomb
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Claude (Bud) Allison, Jamie Clifford, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Jeff McGee, Steve Woods
